Act 1728 of 2003, allows teachers to count a three-hour graduate-level college credit course as twelve (12) hours of professional development that can be applied to meeting the annual (30 hours) professional development requirements for teachers and the renewal of a five (5) year teaching license.
This three-hour course must be related to or enhance the teacher’s knowledge of the subject area in which the teacher is currently teaching or be part of the requirements for the teacher to obtain additional licensure in a subject matter that has been designated by the Arkansas Department of Education as a shortage area.
The State Board of Education at its June 9, 2003 meeting, identified the following subject areas and levels as teacher shortage areas: Secondary Math (7-12), all Secondary Science (7-12), all Special Education (P-4) & (4-12), all Foreign Languages (P-8) & (7-12) and English as a Second Language (ESL) (P-8) & (7-12).
Application for approval of the three-hour graduate level college credit course should be sent to the Office of Professional Licensure using the attached application form.
Questions regarding this Director’s Memo should be directed to Ms. Pat Brandt in the Office of Professional Licensure. Ms. Brandt may be reached by calling 501-682-4342 or by e-mail at pbrandt@arkedu.k12.ar.us.